Is numbing cream worth it? For plenty of people, the answer is a clear yes. For others, it’s something they don’t feel they need. It really depends on your tattoo, your artist and how you feel about pain, and there’s no wrong answer.
Here’s a simple way to work out what’s right for your next session.
When numbing cream is worth it
Certain situations come up again and again when people say they’re glad they used it.
You’ve picked a sensitive spot. Ribs, stomach, inner arms and similar areas tend to be more intense. Many clients say numbing made these feel far more manageable. The tattoo pain chart shows how different areas compare.
You’re feeling nervous. Fear of pain stops some people from getting tattooed at all. If having a plan helps you relax and walk through the door, that’s a real benefit.
You’ve struggled before. If a past session was harder than you’d like, numbing can be a good way to approach your next one differently.
It’s a longer piece. Comfort matters more as the time goes by, although you’ll want to plan your session length carefully. See the guide to numbing cream for long sessions.
You want to sit still. Staying relaxed makes the session easier for you and your artist, and fewer interruptions can help the whole appointment run smoothly.
When you might not need it
Numbing isn’t a must, and plenty of people happily go without. Lots of experienced clients save it for certain placements and don’t bother for anything else, so you can always change your mind from one tattoo to the next.
- Small tattoos on easier spots. A short session on your outer arm or thigh may be over before you’ve had a chance to worry about it.
- You’re comfortable with the sensation. Some people find they’re fine, and a few even say they like it.
- Your artist prefers not to. Some artists would rather work on untreated skin, and it’s their call. See do tattoo artists mind numbing cream?
- You’d rather keep it simple. Avoiding extra steps on the day has its own appeal.
The benefits and the trade-offs
It helps to look at both sides.
| What you gain | What to consider |
| A more comfortable session | You may still feel pressure and vibration |
| Calmer nerves | It needs time to work before your session |
| Easier sensitive spots | Bony areas may still feel intense |
| Fewer interruptions | It fades, so timing matters |
| More confidence to book | Your artist needs to be on board |
You’ll also want to allow a little extra time on the morning of your appointment, which is easy once you’ve done it once. Most of those considerations come down to planning, and they’re easy to deal with once you know about them.
Is numbing cream worth it for the cost?
Compared with the cost of a tattoo, a tube of numbing cream is usually a small addition. Tubes are often priced at around the cost of a meal out, and many sellers offer multi-pack deals if you’ve got several sessions in mind.
Think of it as part of your wider preparation. If it helps you relax, sit through the appointment and finish the piece as planned, many people feel that’s money well spent. If your tattoo is small and on an easy spot, you could put that money towards your aftercare products.
Is numbing cream worth it for you? Questions to ask
Ask yourself these, and you’ll probably find your answer.
- Where’s the tattoo going? The more sensitive the spot, the more appealing numbing tends to be.
- How long will it take? Short and simple usually needs less help than something long and detailed.
- How do you handle pain? Be honest. There’s nothing to prove.
- How anxious are you? If nerves are the main issue, having a plan can make a big difference.
- What does your artist say? Their view can settle it straight away.
- Have you tried the free stuff? Sleep, food and breaks all help, and the guide to making a tattoo hurt less goes through them.
It’s also worth knowing what to expect from the cream itself. Does tattoo numbing cream work? explains how much difference people typically notice.
What people usually say afterwards
People who are pleased with it tend to have a few things in common. They talked to their artist early, followed the directions on the pack, got the timing right and went in expecting a more comfortable session, not a pain-free one.
People who are less impressed often expected to feel nothing at all, or chose a very bony spot, or found their numbing wore off before a long session was over. So set your expectations sensibly and plan properly, and you’ll give it the best chance of working for you.
Give it a fair try
If you’re curious, try it on a session where it can really help, and keep a note of how it goes. What did you use? How long did you leave it on? How long did it last? Then you’ll have something concrete to go on next time, and you can decide for yourself whether it’s for you.
If you’re new to tattoos altogether, and still getting to grips with what to expect, the first tattoo checklist is a good place to start, and it’ll help you get everything else ready as well.
So, is numbing cream worth it?
For sensitive placements, longer sittings and anyone who feels nervous, many people would say yes. For a small piece on an easy spot, you may be just as happy without it. Have a chat with your artist, think about your session, and decide what suits you. If you’re still asking “is numbing cream worth it?”, read the complete UK guide, including the information to read before you use any product.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always read the product label and directions before use.